A seaside town three hours from Bristol is often regarded as one of the best seaside towns in the UK – and one travel writer has revealed why it’s even better to visit in autumn
Tenby has the most photogenic harbour(Image: Portia Jones)
Just because the summer season has drawn to a close, it doesn’t mean you can’t still savour sandy beaches and quaint coastal towns. The UK’s coastlines are among the most breathtaking in the world and can be enjoyed throughout the year – especially during autumn when you can wander along the coastal path and treat yourself to hot chocolates at snug beachside cafes.
Senior Journalist, Portia Jones, confessed that autumn is her favourite time to visit the seaside towns of Wales as they tend to be less crowded, and accommodation could potentially be more affordable (especially if you manage to bag a brilliant bargain). She revealed: “Tenby, widely regarded as one of the best seaside towns in Wales, is one of my favourite destinations during the off-peak season.”
With stunning beaches just a stone’s throw from the vibrant town centre, charming cobbled streets that could rival those in Italy or the French Riviera, and an array of striking, brightly-coloured houses that many British towns would covet, it’s hardly surprising that this coastal gem consistently ranks as one of the “best” seaside towns in the entire UK.
Dubbed the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the ‘Welsh Riviera’, Tenby has long been a favoured tourist hotspot and is one of the most cherished seaside towns in Wales.
Here, you’ll uncover a picturesque harbour, Victorian architecture, sandy beaches, independent cafes and scenic coastal walks along the captivating shoreline, reports Wales Online.
Tenby’s cluster of tiny streets and pastel-coloured buildings hide its best restaurants and cafes down the narrowest of alleys.(Image: Portia Jones)
Stepping outside its ancient 13th-century fortifications, visitors will discover golden beaches and striking clifftop panoramas overlooking the ocean towards the enchanting Caldey Island, reports the Express.
Portia revealed: “I have visited Tenby many, many times over the years, from childhood holidays to grown-up escapes with friends and my significant other, and I love it a bit more with each visit.
“While summer is perfect for sea swimming and long wine-filled afternoons on sun-trap pub terraces, I have come to appreciate Tenby more in autumn. Sure, the weather might not be as sunny, but this is Wales. Frankly, you can have a torrential downpour in August and a mini-heatwave in late September.
“It’s completely unpredictable, so you may as well chance a cheaper autumn visit and hope the weather gods smile upon you. I love that if you visit Tenby during the week, say, mid-October, you can escape the crowds and wander the pretty streets and sandy beaches in relative peace. Just wrap up warm, buy a hot chocolate, and watch the waves roll in from a chilled-out seaside cafe. Lush.”
She added: “Accommodation-wise, I’ve found that you can get some pretty good deals in the off-season – especially if you visit midweek rather than at the weekend. One of my favourite spots is YHA Manorbier – a very affordable stay that’s a short drive from the town centre.”
YHA Manorbier has become my favourite budget stay in Wales(Image: YHA)
This affordable hostel, situated in a former military building, provides glamping and camping facilities and charges less than £50 for a private en suite room for two (YHA members pay even less). Accommodation options include reasonably priced private rooms, unique American Airstreams, charming camping pods, and pitch-up camping.
Portia usually books a spotless private en suite room for just £45 for two guests, and as a YHA member, she gets an extra 10% discount. Granted, the private rooms might have limited space for large luggage, which estate agents might call “bijou” and ordinary people might refer to as “compact.”
However, for just over £20 each, it offers excellent value – especially in the pricey Pembrokeshire area.
Portia commented: “Let’s be honest; you’re not checking into a YHA expecting a concierge, Egyptian cotton sheets, and a robe monogrammed with your initials. You’re here for the vibes. A community-spirited atmosphere fostered by shared kitchens, mismatched mugs, and conversations over wine in the lounge.”
Tenby, widely considered one of Wales’ best seaside towns, is one of my favourite places to visit in the off-season(Image: Getty Images)
Fancy staying closer to the town centre? Check out autumn deals on Booking.com and book a hotel for around £75 for two adults. The Premier Inn Tenby Town Centre establishment costs only £68 per night for two in October and offers a comfortable base right in the heart of all the action.
Even after the bustling summer season, there’s still plenty to savour in Tenby. From strolling along the coastal path and sampling craft ales in local pubs, to browsing independent boutiques for your Christmas gifts, there’s something for everyone.
Tenby is home to several golden beaches, perfect for a brisk autumnal dip if you’re feeling brave, or simply sipping a hot chocolate while taking in the windswept coastline. South Beach, a sandy stretch backed by dunes near the town centre, proudly holds the esteemed Blue Flag status.
When it comes to dining, Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, situated right on the beach, is well worth a visit. Castle Beach, just a hop, skip and jump from the town centre, was crowned the UK’s best beach in 2019 and currently boasts an impressive 4.8 out of five rating on Google.
Portia loves visiting seaside this UK town in Autumn(Image: Portia Jones)
North Beach, nestled in Pembrokeshire, has previously been voted the most photogenic beach in the UK, beating off stiff competition from other picturesque spots such as Durdle Door in Dorset and Brighton seafront. Harbour Beach may be the smallest, but it provides a charming backdrop of colourful houses, bobbing boats, and a road leading back to the town centre.
Autumn is the perfect time to explore the Tenby Coast Path. This stunning section of the larger Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers breathtaking views of Tenby’s vibrant harbour, Caldey Island, and St Catherine’s Island.
Favourite routes include the four-mile stroll to Saundersfoot, a moderate nine-mile circular route returning inland, and a challenging 10.9-mile point-to-point trail to Freshwater East.
Should the weather take a turn for the worse, why not pay a visit to Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, the oldest independent museum in Wales? Founded in 1878, this charming museum houses an eclectic collection of local geology, biology, archaeology, and maritime artefacts waiting to be explored.
Portia is a huge history buff, and a large part of her travels is a desire to learn more about medieval and ancient history. (Image: Shaurya Shaurya)
Many of the displays also delve into the culture and heritage of South Pembrokeshire, offering you a peek into local history and art. A delightful gift shop near the entrance offers local books and gift items.
Entry to the museum is priced at £6.50 for adults and £3.50 for children. The museum also runs a reusable ticket scheme – all tickets are valid for one year from purchase, allowing you unlimited return visits within that period at no extra cost.
For those partial to a Welsh tipple, there are two local breweries in Tenby. Both produce top-notch beers and supply local pubs and restaurants. Tenby Brewing Co., which took over from Preseli Brewery, has numerous stockists in Tenby and is one of the leading craft breweries in Wales.
The award-winning brewery was conceived when two mates decided (over a pint) to leave the daily grind and establish their own brewery. The Yard is their stylish venue at the brewery, boasting a 150-person capacity and an exciting rotating food menu from brilliant pop-up food vendors, draft beer lines from their range, and some of their favourite brewers.
You can still get blue skies in September!(Image: Portia Jones)
Harbwr, the newer kid on the block, is a craft brewery and taproom that brews a variety of cask and bottled ales just above Tenby harbour. When it comes to dining, Tenby’s cluster of tiny streets and pastel-coloured buildings conceal its best restaurants and cafes down the narrowest of lanes.
Plantagenet House is a hidden treasure, featuring flagstone floors, exposed beams, and a 40ft medieval Flemish chimney. If you’re quick enough to book, you might even secure a table by the fireplace.
“A recommended dish is their vegan Thai coconut curry, which features squash, chargrilled spring onion, spiced rice, and roasted almonds,” Portia suggested.
Links restaurant, located on the ground floor of Tenby Golf Club, offers Michelin-starred dining, making it a top choice for food lovers visiting Pembrokeshire.
The menu, crafted by a talented local chef, focuses on simple yet incredibly tasty dishes made with high-quality Welsh produce. Start your meal with their freshly-baked ale bread served with whipped Marmite butter – trust me, it’s the perfect starter.
For sweet treats, pop into Mor Tenby, a swish family-run coffee shop and gift shop(Image: Portia Jones)
The ambience achieves a perfect harmony between casual and sophisticated, whilst the menu seamlessly combines approachable and adventurous dishes. From hot smoked salmon accompanied by cucumber and buttermilk to heritage tomatoes matched with buffalo mozzarella, there’s something to delight every palate.
For mains, enjoy locally-sourced specialities such as Pembrokeshire beef or Cornish cod in bisque sauce, or treat yourself to succulent Welsh lamb rump served with all the proper trimmings.
Be sure to save space for pudding – whether it’s decadent dark chocolate fondant accompanied by tarragon ice cream or zesty lemon meringue with almond sponge and blueberry sorbet, you certainly won’t depart disappointed. D. Fecci and Sons might well offer Wales’ finest fish and chips, having served both residents and visitors since 1935.
Using locally-grown Pembrokeshire potatoes and groundnut oil to create beautifully crispy haddock, cod, and calamari, the chip shop also provides fresh mackerel throughout the summer season.
The Links delivers an experience that feels both personal and polished(Image: The Links Tenby)
For delightful refreshments, pop into Mor Tenby, a stylish family-run coffee shop and gift store selling their house coffee blend (“Coffi Mor”), sweet treats, deli products, home fragrances, kitchenware, gifts, and Welsh delicacies.
A beloved fixture in Tenby, Top Joe’s continues as the top choice for pizza lovers. This former 1960s restaurant has transformed into a craft pizzeria providing freshly-made pizza, pasta, and salads using quality Italian ingredients. Nestled in the heart of this delightful coastal town, it’s a firm favourite with both locals and visitors.
Chef Giovanni Recchia, recently acknowledged as one of the world’s best at the Pizza World Championships, lends his expertise to the menu. He crafts pizzas using locally-milled flour and top-notch ingredients, including cured meats from Trealy Farm Charcuterie.